Health of Repatriated Prisoners of War From the Far East

Hearing Loss in Former Prisoners of War of the Japanese

“…Deafness was noted in an extensive review of the neurological effects of starvation among JPOWs 14 . Syndromes related to nutrition are difficult to categorize clinically and have often been collected under umbrella terms such as “peripheral neuritis.” 14 , 25 , 26 Detailed records of diet and malnutrition in JPOWs were kept and later reported by imprisoned physicians 7 , 8 . Similar such records about the characteristics and effects of prisoner injuries are lacking, but ample testimony exists about their frequency and severity.…”

Nonn-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in an obese former Japanese prisoner of war

“…It is clear that his obsessive food-gathering behavior had absolute survival value during his years of captivity and starvation. Stealing food, hoarding it, and the willingness to eat anything were regarded by prisoners as positive factors in their survival (Wolf & Ripley, 1947;Morgan & Wright, 1946). In addition they regarded the ability to sublimate aggressive tendencies as being absolutely essential to survival.…”

“…In addition they regarded the ability to sublimate aggressive tendencies as being absolutely essential to survival. Acting on aggressive impulses usually led to violent physical punishment or summary execution (Morgan & Wright, 1946). His adaptations, however, persisted for more than 40 years and were incorporated into a stance of hypervigdance in ordinary social situations.…”

Nutrient Intake of the Repatriated United States Army, Navy and Marine Corps Prisoners-of-War of the Vietnam War

“…We Personal accounts of prisoners describe hunger and a desire for food as predominant In their thoughts (1).…”